About Benjy Schirm, J.D.
Benjy Schirm is a storyteller, writer and advocate. He attended the University of Iowa as an undergrad, worked as a theater artist, and went on to earn a J.D. from Western Michigan University so he could take his storytelling from the stage to the courtroom. He has contributed to legal publications in Minnesota, and is a North Star Lawyer, full-time public defender serving Rice County, and on the 4th District Ethics Committee as an investigator.
Articles written by Benjy Schirm, J.D.
Can You Sue for Contracting an STD?
Georgia’s legislature criminalized the act of intentionally or recklessly infecting someone with HIV as a felony. The intentional or reckless transmission of an STD infection from sexual contact may be charged under the Georgia statute. The most important piece of the law is that the person knowingly acted or that they knew they had HIV and did not disclose that to their partner. It is not a crime if a person living with HIV discloses the fact to their sexual partner and then the partner is …
How Bail Bonds Work
The legal process moves quickly in the first hours following an arrest, with critical hearings on whether to post bail and secure the defendant's release. Knowing how bail amounts are set and how bail bonds operate can help you navigate the process with confidence and avoid costly mistakes. For legal guidance, consult with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. What Is Bail? Bail is an amount of money set by court order to secure the defendant's appearance at future court dates. …
Privacy Concerns Over Smart Speakers
Every American has the fundamental right to privacy in their own home, including freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures, as dictated by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Smart home technologies such as Amazon Echo (the hardware device that the Amazon Alexa voice assistant operates on), Google Home, Apple HomePod, and others allow homeowners to control various features of their home and even browse the web using only their voice. Despite …
How Arraignments and Bond Hearings Work
Arraignment and bond hearings are the first court appearances someone has after being arrested on criminal charges. An arraignment starts the judicial process and informs the defendant of their charges. A bond hearing determines whether, and under what conditions, the defendant will be released from custody while the case is pending. Understanding these first steps of the criminal process may save you or your loved ones time, effort, and money. For legal advice, reach out to a criminal defense …
Are Gym Owners Liable for My Injuries at a Gym?
As we roll into the holidays on a buffet of sweets and heaping dinners, we often find ourselves staring back at the choices we’ve made over the past year and realize that some of those choices have stuck around — literally. Health clubs, CrossFit gyms, fitness centers, and yoga studios all know that the biggest time of the year is New Year. But when droves of people arrive at gyms, they are greeted with a piece of paper full of legal gobbledygook. What does it all mean? What happens if …
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